Modular Electrical Energy Storage With Fault Protection

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a power converter, one or more power source terminal configured to connect to a power source, and one or more load terminal. The apparatus further includes two or more energy storage terminals configured to connect to two or more electrical energy storage devices. Two or more protection circuits, included in the apparatus, one for each of the protection circuits, is electrically connected between the respective energy storage terminal and the power converter. The two or more protection circuits are configured to disconnect the respective terminal from the power converter following a failure of the respective one of the electrical energy storage devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/133,202 filed Dec. 23, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/955,498 filed Dec. 31, 2019, herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of energy storage.

Electrical energy storage systems may use storage elements such asbatteries, flywheels, fuel cells, thermal storage materials,electrochemical storage materials, flow battery, and kinetic storagematerials. Battery electrical storage systems (BESSs) include, forexample, large-scale systems for utilities as well as small-scalesystems such as mobile chargers. The storage systems may charge from anenergy source, such as the grid, a solar power generation system, a windturbine, a mobile solar panel, a generator, and/or a turbine. Thestorage system may discharge the energy for consumption by electricalloads when the alternative sources of the loads are, for example, moreexpensive and/or not available.

SUMMARY

The following is a short summary of some of the inventive concepts forillustrative purposes only and is not an extensive overview, and is notintended to identify key or critical elements or to limit or constrainthe inventions and examples in the detailed description. One skilled inthe art will recognize other novel combinations and features from thedetailed description.

An electrical energy storage system may include multiple energy storagemodules connected to a power converter (such as an inverter, powersupply, DC/DC converter, or a bidirectional inverter), where each modulemay be connected with an independent physical and electrical connection.The inverter may include separate protection circuit boards for eachstorage module connection terminal set. Multiple protection circuits maybe included in the inverter. Each protection circuit may includemultiple sensors for detecting failure of the storage module, or acommunication circuit for receiving a notification of a failure. Theelectrical configurations between the inverter and modules may use a busconfiguration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, claims, and drawings. The present disclosure is illustratedby way of example, and not limited by, the accompanying figures. In thedrawings, like numerals reference similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an example system with modularelectrical energy storage.

FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of an example power device for modularelectrical energy storage with an alternating current source. FIG. 2Bshows a block diagram of an example power device for modular electricalenergy storage with a direct current source. FIG. 2C shows a blockdiagram of an example power device for modular electrical energy storagewith an alternating current source and a direct current source.

FIG. 3A shows two views of an example system with modular energyelectrical storage.

FIG. 3B shows a top view of an example system with modular electricalenergy storage and arrangement of conducting and isolating legs.

FIG. 3C shows a side view of an example device with details ofconducting and isolating legs.

FIG. 4 shows two views of an example charger for modular electricalenergy storage.

FIG. 5 shows, schematically, internal configuration of an examplebattery module and an example power device.

FIG. 6 shows an example system with modular electrical energy storageduring testing.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an example method for modular electricalenergy storage operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, show examples ofthe disclosure. It is to be understood that the examples shown in thedrawings and/or discussed herein are non-exclusive and that there areother examples of how the disclosure may be practiced. As used herein,the term “or” means non-exclusive or (and/or) and may include anycombination of the listed items.

Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for modular andportable electrical energy storage with independent electrical andmechanical connections for each energy storage module. Multiple energystorage modules may share a common power device in a stackableconfiguration, increasing portability. Each energy storage module may beelectrically and mechanically connected to the power device with aseparate electrical and mechanical connection, such as a starconfiguration. Electrical energy storage modules may use storageelements, such as batteries, flywheels, fuel cells, flow battery,thermal storage materials, electrochemical storage materials, andkinetic storage materials. For example, in a battery energy storagesystem (BESS) each battery module may have a separate cable connectingit to the power device. For example, separate electrical conductors maybe incorporated into support feet and transect the device, such as thepower device or the battery module. For example, the circuit board ofthe power device may electrical connect to 4 support feet, one at eachcorner of the device, and each battery module may be electricallyconnected to one of the support feet. In this example, 4 battery modulesmay be connected to the power device. Other example systems may include5, 6, 8, or 10 feet, and therefore allow up to 10 energy storagemodules. The system may incorporate between 2 and 20 support feet, eachcombined with a conductor. BESSs may be used as a primary example inthis disclosure, but may be understood that alternative electricalenergy storage systems may be used instead of BESSs.

The inverter may include separate protection circuit boards for eachstorage module connection terminal set (“terminal set”), such as apositive terminal and negative terminal in a terminal set. Multipleprotection circuits may be included in the inverter, such as within aterminal set, between terminal sets, between the terminal set and thepower converter circuit, and within the power converter circuit. As usedherein, a terminal means a set of conductors for transferring electricalpower. Each protection circuit may include multiple sensors fordetecting failure of the storage module, or a communication circuit forreceiving a notification of a failure. The electrical configurationbetween the inverter and modules may include a star configuration or abus configuration for power delivery. A star configuration may haveseparate electrical conductors between the inverter and each module. Abus configuration may have common electrical conductors between theinverter and each module. Hybrid configurations (combining star and busfeatures) may be used for BESSs

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 , which shows a block diagram of anexample system 100 with modular electrical energy storage. A powerdevice 102 may be connected to a power source 101, such as a powergeneration system, a power harvesting system, an electrical network, alarge electrical energy storage system, or a grid. Power device 102 isconnected to multiple energy storage modules 104A, 104B, . . . up to 104n using separate electrical/mechanical connectors 103A, 103B, . . . upto 103 n respectively. Power device 102 may be connected to loads 106,107, and/or 108 through one or more alternating current (AC) or directcurrent (DC) connection terminals. Power device 102 may transfer powerfrom energy storage modules 104A-104 n to loads 106-108 when powersource 101 does not provide power to loads 106-108. Power transfer maybe performed using an inverter circuit configured to provide AC power,or a converter circuit configured to provide DC power to loads 106-108.By selectively discharging each energy storage module to loads 106-108,power device 102 may manage depletion of energy storage modules 104A-104n in parallel or one at a time (depleting one before drawing power fromthe next). When power source 101 provides power, power device 102 maydirect power to loads 106-108 and/or to energy storage modules 104A-104n.

A charger 109 may be connected to the same power source 101 or adifferent power source. Charger 109 may be connected to energy storagemodules 104A-104 n independently from connections 103A-103 n, andcharger 109 may be configured to charge one or more of energy storagemodules 104A-104 n independently from power device 102. For example,when power device 102 is charging one set of energy storage modules,charger 109 may charge a second set. For example, when power device israted for 50 amperes (A), and charging a set of energy storage modulesat full charge rate requires 80 A, charger 109 may be used to provide anadditional 30 A of charging current.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, which show block diagramsof an example power device 200A, 200B, and 200C for modular energystorage with different power sources. Power device 200A, 200B, and 200Cmay include a housing 230. Power device 200A may include AC power sourceterminals 205A configured to connect to aa AC power source 201A such aspower source as power source 101 of FIG. 1 in a AC configuration. Powerdevice 200A may include a bidirectional AC/DC converter 206B connectedelectrically to AC power source terminals 205A and/or a DC/DC converter207A. Power device 200A, 200B, and 200C may include multiple independentstorage terminals 202A-202 n (illustrated subset 202A, 202B, . . . 202n) configured to connect to storage conductors 203A-203 n and storagebatteries 209A, 209B, . . . 202 n. Protection circuits 204A-204 n arepositioned between terminals 202A-202 n and converters 206B and 207A.Protection circuits 204A-204 n are configured to sense the malfunctionsof each storage device (not shown) connected to terminals 202A-202 n,such as electrical or physical parameters (e.g. voltage, current,impedance, temperature, electromagnetic emissions, chemical emissions,frequency response, or transmission line reflection amplitude). Forexample, a protection circuit may include multiple sensors configured todetect a failure condition. For example, a sensor may comprise a powersource and threshold circuit configured to send a binary analog ordigital signal. For example, a protection circuit may be a communicationcircuit configured to receive a notification of a failure condition,such as a notification from a storage module, a server, or a home energymanagement system. Power device 200A. 200B, and 200C may include loadterminals 208 configured to connect to one or more AC loads 210 or oneor more DC loads 220. As used herein, a terminal means a set ofconductors for transferring electrical power. The connector arrowsbetween components (such as 203A-203 n) indicate the direction ofcurrent flow, a single line indicates a DC connection, and a double lineindicates an AC connection.

Power device 200B may include DC power source terminals 205B configuredto connect to an DC power source 201B, such as power source 101 of FIG.1 in a DC configuration. Power device 200B may include an AC/DCconverter 206A and/or a bidirectional DC/DC converter 207B bothconnected electrically to DC power source terminals 205B. Protectioncircuits 204A-204 n of power device 200B are positioned betweenterminals 202A-202 n and converters 206A and 207B.

Power device 200C may include AC+DC power source terminals 205Cconfigured to connect to AC power source 201A and DC power source 201B,such as power source 101 of FIG. 1 in a combined AC+DC configuration.Power device 200C may include a bidirectional AC/DC converter 206Band/or a bidirectional DC/DC converter 207B both connected electricallyto AC+DC power source terminals 205C. Protection circuits 204A-204 n ofpower device 200C are positioned between terminals 202A-202 n andconverters 206B and 207B.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3A, which shows two views of an examplesystem 300 with modular electrical energy storage. System 300 maycomprise a power device 320 and energy storage modules 310A and 310B. Afirst power conductor 307 may connect a terminal 301 of energy storagemodule 310A to a storage terminal 302 of power device 320. A secondpower conductor 308 may connect a terminal 305 of energy storage module310B to a storage terminal 304 of power device 320. Power device 320 mayinclude one or more user interfaces 303, and auxiliary power terminal306.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3B, which shows a top view of an examplesystem with modular electrical energy storage and arrangement ofconnected legs 331 and isolated legs 332. Connected legs 331 andisolated legs 332 may be used to mechanically support the device ormodules (such as when placed on surfaces), and used to transferelectrical and mechanical connections between energy storage modules(e.g. batteries) 311, 312, and 313, to power device 321. Each leg mayextend the height of the device enclosure, and may protrude below theenclosure on the bottom side for supporting the device when placed on aflat surface. The top of each leg may be flush with the enclosure orrecessed to allow a second device to be placed on top of the first(bottom) device to electrically and mechanically connect to the firstdevice, thereby the legs of the first device and the second deviceforming a conductor, such as storage conductors 203A, 203B, . . . 203 n.Each leg includes a conductor, a plug, a socket and a connectionterminal, as shown in FIG. 3C. A power device 321 may include a circuitboard 321A (such as the circuit board of power devices 200A, 200B, and200C) with terminals (such as terminals ST1 202A, ST2 202B, . . . STn202 n) electrically connected to each connected leg 331 (such as storageconductors 203A, 203B, . . . 203 n). An energy storage module 311 mayinclude a circuit board 311A with a terminal connected to one of thelegs (bottom left), such as storage conductor 203A. An energy storagemodule 312 may include a circuit board 312A with a terminal connected toa second one of the legs (top left), such as storage conductor 203B. Anenergy storage module 313 may include a circuit board 313A with aterminal connected to a third one of the legs (top right), such asstorage conductor 203 n. The configuration of the connected legsprovides separate (e.g. independent mechanically and electrically)isolated conductors (such as storage conductors 203A, 203B, . . . 203 n)for connecting each energy storage module to the power device throughone of the leg pillars (the series of legs located one on top of theother).

Reference is now made to FIG. 3C, which shows a side view of an exampledevice 340 (such as power devices 200A, 200B, and 200C or batteries3011, 312, and 313) with details of connected leg 341 and isolated leg342. Power device/module 340 may include a circuit board 340A (such asthe circuit board of power devices 200A, 200B, and 200C or batteries3011, 312, and 313). Each leg includes a plug 344, socket 346, andconductor 343 electrically connecting plug 344 and socket 346. Socket346 includes a recess 349 to accept a plug from another device below(not shown), and plug is recessed to connect to a socket of the deviceabove (not shown). Conductor 343 of each leg is enclosed in isolationmaterial 348 to prevent short circuits. Isolation material 348 provideselectrical isolation and mechanical support for the device, such astypically performed by rubber legs attached to the bottom of the device.Recesses (e.g. 349) of plug 344 and socket 346 provide some protectionfrom accidental contact with socket 346 or plug 344. Circuit conductor345 electrically connects circuit 340A to leg conductor 343 (e.g.directly, through socket, or through plug), such as storage conductors203A, 203B, . . . 203 n. Lock 347 may connect plug and socket to preventseparation of these during operation. Lock 347 may also include a coverto protect plug from accidental contact. Storage conductors 203A, 203B,. . . 203 n are formed by the leg conductors 343 of the stack of devices(such as the device 340, the device above, the device below, etc.),thereby forming a stack of the conductors of the connected legs 343 andthe isolated legs 342.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 , which shows two views of an examplecharger 400 for modular electrical energy storage. Charger 400 may beconnected to an AC or DC power source and to a charge/discharge port 305of energy storage module (e.g. 310B). A separate charger 400 may allowswapping energy storage modules at a remote location and charging themat a power source located at a second location.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 , which shows, schematically, internalconfiguration of an example energy storage module 310A and an examplepower device 320. Energy storage module 310A internal components mayinclude a connecter 501 (such as terminals ST1 202A, ST2 202B, . . . STn202 n) and a protection circuit 502 (such as 204A-204 n). Power device320 may include connectors 503 and 504, each connected to protectioncircuits 505 and 506, respectively. This example shows two connectorsfor energy storage modules, but any number of connectors can beincorporated into the power device as separate electrical and mechanicalconnectors. Providing separate circuit boards for protection circuits505 and 506 may further protect the power device and other energystorage modules in case of failure of one or more of the energy storagemodules. For example, when an energy storage module connected toconnector 503 (using a terminal such as 202A of FIG. 2 ) causes a shortcircuit, the protection circuit 505 may disconnect connector 503 fromthe circuit board of power device 320 thus preventing failure of themain circuit of power device 320.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 , which shows an example system 600 withmodular electrical energy storage during testing.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 , which shows a flowchart of an examplemethod for modular electrical energy storage operation. A power device(such as power devices 102, 200, 320, 340, or 400), may cycle betweencharge and discharge states as at step 701 and 702 respectively.Following a failure as at step 703, the energy storage module (such as104A, 104B, 104C, 310A, 310B, 311, 312, or 313) that failed may bedisconnected 704 from the power device using a separate protectioncircuit (such as 204A, 204B, 204C, 502, 505, or 506) for each energystorage module. Protection circuits at the power device and the energystorage module allow redundant protection to improve uninterrupted powerdeliver to the loads.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, specific ranges, specificresistivities, specific voltages, specific shapes, and/or other specificproperties and values disclosed herein are example in nature and do notlimit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein ofparticular values and particular ranges of values for given parametersare not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may beuseful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it isenvisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameterstated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may besuitable for the given parameter. For example, the disclosure of a firstvalue and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted asdisclosing that any value between the first and second values could alsobe employed for the given parameter. For example, if parameter X isexemplified herein to have value A and exemplified to have value Z, itis envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about Ato about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or moreranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested,overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges forthe value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges.For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in therange of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter Xmay have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8,2-3, 3-10, and 3-9.

In the description of various illustrative features, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which isshown, by way of illustration, various features in which aspects of thedisclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other featuresmay be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made,without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Terms such as “multiple” as used in this disclosure indicate theproperty of having or involving several parts, elements, or members.

It may be noted that various connections are set forth between elementsherein. These connections are described in general and, unless specifiedotherwise, may be direct or indirect; this specification is not intendedto be limiting in this respect, and both direct and indirect connectionsare envisioned. Further, elements of one feature in any of theembodiments may be combined with elements from other features in any ofthe embodiments, in any combinations or sub-combinations.

All described features, and modifications of the described features, areusable in all aspects of the inventions taught herein. Furthermore, allof the features, and all of the modifications of the features, of all ofthe embodiments described herein, are combinable and interchangeablewith one another.

CLAUSES:

Clause 1. An apparatus, comprising:

-   -   a power converter;    -   at least one power source terminal configured to connect to a        power source;    -   at least one load terminal;    -   a plurality of energy storage terminals configured to connect to        a plurality of electrical energy storage devices; and    -   a plurality of protection circuits, wherein each of the        plurality of protection circuits is electrically connected        between a respective one of the plurality of energy storage        terminals and the power converter, wherein the plurality of        protection circuits are configured to disconnect the respective        terminal from the power converter following a failure of the        respective one of the plurality of electrical energy storage        devices.

Clause 2. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein the power convertercomprises an AC/DC or a DC/AC converter.

Clause 3. The apparatus of any one of Clause 1 or 2, wherein the powerconverter comprises a DC/DC converter.

Clause 4. The apparatus of any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein each ofthe plurality of protection circuits comprises at least one sensorconfigured for detecting the failure.

Clause 5. The apparatus of any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein each ofthe plurality of protection circuits comprises a communication circuitfor receiving a notification of failure from the respective one of theplurality of electrical energy storage devices.

Clause 6. The apparatus of any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein theelectrical energy storage devices comprise at least one storage elementselected from the group consisting of batteries, thermal storagematerials, kinetic storage materials, fuel cell, flow batteries, andelectrochemical storage materials.

Clause 7. A system comprising:

-   -   a plurality of electrical energy storage modules;    -   at least one load;    -   a power source; and    -   a power device, comprising:    -   a converter circuit,    -   a plurality of storage terminals configured to connect to each        of the plurality of electrical energy storage modules,    -   a plurality of protection circuits electrically connected        between the respective one of the plurality of storage terminals        and the converter circuit, wherein the plurality of protection        circuits are configured to disconnect the respective terminal        from the converter circuit following a failure of the respective        one of the plurality of electrical energy storage modules.

Clause 8. The system of Clause 7, wherein the power device comprises anAC/DC or a DC/AC converter.

Clause 9. The system of any one of Clauses 7 or 8, wherein the powerdevice comprises a DC/DC converter.

Clause 10. The system of any one of Clauses 7 to 9, wherein each of theplurality of protection circuits comprises at least one sensorconfigured for detecting the failure.

Clause 11. The system of any one of Clauses 7 to 10, wherein each of theplurality of protection circuits comprises a communication circuit forreceiving a notification of failure from the respective one of theplurality of electrical energy storage modules.

Clause 12. The system of any one of Clauses 7 to 11, wherein theelectrical energy storage modules comprise at least one storage elementselected from the group consisting of batteries, thermal storagematerials, kinetic storage materials, fuel cell, flow batteries, andelectrochemical storage materials.

Clause 13. A method, comprising:

-   -   discharging a plurality of electrical energy storage devices to        at least one load using a plurality of energy storage terminals        and at least one load terminal;    -   charging the plurality of electrical energy storage devices        using a power source connected to a power source terminal of a        power converter;    -   wherein each of a plurality of protection circuits is        electrically connected between a respective one of the plurality        of energy storage terminals and the power converter, and    -   following a failure of a respective one of the plurality of        protection circuits, disconnecting the respective terminal from        the power converter.

Clause 14. The method of Clause 13, wherein the power convertercomprises an AC/DC or a DC/AC converter.

Clause 15. The method of any one of Clauses 13 or 14, wherein the powerconverter comprises a DC/DC converter.

Clause 16. The method of any one of Clauses 13 to 15, wherein each ofthe plurality of protection circuits comprises at least one sensorconfigured for detecting the failure.

Clause 17. The method of any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein each ofthe plurality of protection circuits comprises a communication circuitfor receiving a notification of failure from the respective one of theplurality of electrical energy storage devices.

Clause 18. The method of any one of Clauses 13 to 17, wherein theelectrical energy storage devices comprise at least one storage elementselected from the group consisting of batteries, thermal storagematerials, kinetic storage materials, fuel cell, flow batteries, andelectrochemical storage materials.

Clause 19. An apparatus, comprising:

-   -   an enclosure;    -   a power converter;    -   at least one power source terminal configured to connect to a        power source;    -   at least one load terminal;    -   a plurality of legs, wherein at least one leg of the plurality        of legs comprises:    -   an electrical plug,    -   an electrical socket,    -   a conductor electrically connecting the electrical plug and the        electrical socket, and    -   an isolating material encasing at least part of the leg;    -   wherein the leg extends the height of the enclosure,    -   wherein at least part of the isolating material and at least        part of the electrical socket protrude from a bottom side of the        enclosure,    -   wherein the electrical plug and the electrical socket are on        opposite ends of the leg.

Clause 20. The apparatus of Clause 19, wherein the conductor iselectrically connected to the power converter.

Clause 21. The apparatus of any one of Clause 19 or 20, wherein thepower converter comprises an AC/DC converter, a DC/DC converter, or aDC/AC converter.

Clause 22. The apparatus of any one of Clauses 19 to 21, furthercomprising a protection circuit, wherein the protection circuit iselectrically connected between the conductor and the power converter,wherein the protection circuit is configured to disconnect the powerconverter from the conductor following a failure of a device connectedto the electrical socket or the electrical plug.

Clause 23. The apparatus of Clause 22, wherein the protection circuitcomprises at least one sensor configured for detecting the failure.

Clause 23. The apparatus of any one of Clauses 22 to 23, wherein theprotection circuit comprises a communication circuit for receiving anotification of failure from an electrical energy storage devices.

Clause 24. An apparatus, comprising:

-   -   an enclosure;    -   an electrical energy storage device;    -   a plurality of legs, wherein at least one leg of the plurality        of legs comprises:    -   an electrical plug,    -   an electrical socket,    -   a conductor electrically connecting the electrical plug and the        electrical socket, and    -   an isolating material encasing at least part of the leg;    -   wherein the leg extends the height of the enclosure,    -   wherein at least part of the isolating material and at least        part of the electrical socket protrude from a bottom side of the        enclosure,    -   wherein the electrical plug and the electrical socket are on        opposite ends of the leg.

Clause 25. The apparatus of Clause 24, wherein the conductor iselectrically connected to the electrical energy storage device.

Clause 26. The apparatus of any one of Clause 24 or 25, wherein theelectrical energy storage devices comprise at least one storage elementselected from the group consisting of batteries, thermal storagematerials, kinetic storage materials, fuel cell, flow batteries, andelectrochemical storage materials.

Clause 27. The apparatus of any one of Clauses 24 to 26, furthercomprising a communication circuit for sending a notification of failureof the electrical energy storage device to another device.

Clause 28. The apparatus of any one of Clauses 24 to 27, furthercomprising a protection circuit, wherein the protection circuit iselectrically connected between the conductor and the electrical energystorage devices, wherein the protection circuit is configured todisconnect the electrical energy storage devices from the conductorfollowing a failure of a device connected to the electrical socket orthe electrical plug.

Clause 29. The apparatus of Clause 28, wherein the protection circuitcomprises at least one sensor configured for detecting the failure.

Clause 30. The apparatus of any one of Clauses 1 to 6, furthercomprising:

-   -   an enclosure;    -   a plurality of legs, wherein at least one leg of the plurality        of legs incorporates a terminal of the plurality of energy        storage terminals, wherein the at least one leg comprises:    -   an electrical plug,    -   an electrical socket,    -   a conductor electrically connecting the terminal, the electrical        plug, and the electrical socket, and    -   an isolating material encasing at least part of the leg;    -   wherein the leg extends the height of the enclosure,    -   wherein at least part of the isolating material and at least        part of the electrical socket protrude from a bottom side of the        enclosure,    -   wherein the electrical plug and the electrical socket are on        opposite ends of the leg.

Clause 31. The apparatus of Clause 30, wherein the terminal iselectrically connected to the power converter.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: an electrical energystorage (EES) device comprising EES terminals; a storage convertercomprising a storage management system (SMS) controller and SMSterminals, wherein at least some of the SMS terminals are connected tothe EES terminals; an enclosure; and a plurality of legs, wherein theplurality of legs each comprise: an electrical plug, an electricalsocket, conductors electrically connecting the electrical plug and theelectrical socket, and an isolating material encasing at least part ofthe leg; wherein the leg extends the height of the enclosure, wherein atleast part of the isolating material and at least part of the electricalsocket protrude from a bottom side of the enclosure, and wherein theelectrical plug and the electrical socket are on opposite ends of theleg, wherein the conductors of at least one leg of the plurality of legsare electrically connected to at least some of the SMS terminals.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage converter further comprises aDC/DC converter configured to charge and discharge the EES device. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the SMS terminals comprise SMS storageterminals configured to connect to the EES terminals and wherein the SMSterminals comprise SMS leg terminals configured to connect to theconductors of the at least one leg.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe storage converter comprises protection circuits.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the storage converter comprises a communication circuitfor sending a notification of failure to a main power device.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the ESS device is configured to storeelectrical energy using at least one of a thermal storage, a kineticstorage, a compressed air device, a flywheel, a fuel cell, a flowbattery, and an electrochemical cell.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the SMS controller is configured to charge and discharge the ESSdevice.
 8. A system comprising: a main power device; and an EES devicecomprising: an EES device comprising EES terminals; a storage convertercomprising a SMS controller and SMS terminals, wherein at least some ofthe SMS terminals are connected to the EES terminals; an enclosure; anda leg comprising: an electrical plug, an electrical socket, conductorselectrically connecting the electrical plug and the electrical socket,and an isolating material encasing at least part of the leg; wherein theleg extends the height of the enclosure, wherein at least part of theisolating material and at least part of the electrical socket protrudefrom a bottom side of the enclosure, and wherein the electrical plug andthe electrical socket are on opposite ends of the leg.
 9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the conductors of the leg are electrically connected toat least some of the SMS terminals.
 10. The system of claim 8, whereinthe storage converter further comprises a DC/DC converter configured tocharge and discharge the EES device.
 11. The system of claim 8, whereinthe SMS terminals comprise SMS storage terminals configured to connectto the EES terminals and SMS leg terminals configured to connect to theconductors of the at least one leg.
 12. The system of claim 8, whereinthe storage converter comprises protection circuits.
 13. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the storage converter comprises a communication circuitfor sending a notification of failure to the main power device.
 14. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the EES device is configured to storeelectrical energy using at least one of a thermal storage, a kineticstorage, a compressed air device, a flywheel, a fuel cell, a flowbattery, and an electrochemical cell.
 15. The system of claim 8, whereinthe SMS controller is configured to charge and discharge the ESS device.16. The system of claim 8, further comprising at least one of aphotovoltaic power generator, a fuel cell, a DC generator, or aDC-connected wind turbine.
 17. The system of claim 8, wherein the mainpower device comprises protection circuits.
 18. The system of claim 8,wherein the EES device comprises protection circuits.
 19. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the main power device comprises a communication circuitconfigured for receiving a notification of failure from the EES device.20. The system of claim 8, comprising a plurality of the EES devices,wherein the main power device and the plurality of EES devices eachcomprises enclosures and legs, where each leg is used to electricallyconnect the main power device to a different one of the plurality of EESdevices.